Hilton Head Island

Hilton Head Island
FAQ

Everything you need to know before your beach day.

What are the beach conditions at Hilton Head Island today?

Hilton Head Island sits on the Atlantic Ocean. Our conditions page shows today's water temperature, surf height, wind, UV index, tide times from NOAA station 8670870, and rip current risk. Everything is pulled live from NOAA and Open-Meteo and refreshes through the day.

View Live Conditions

Where do you park at Hilton Head Island?

Park at Hilton Head Island in lots like Coligny Beach Park, Driessen Beach Park, Folly Field Beach Park. Our parking page maps every option with addresses, rates from Free and a live crowd-based availability estimate so you can plan ahead and skip circling.

Find Parking

Where should you eat at Hilton Head Island?

At Hilton Head Island, don't miss the Shrimp & Grits at Hudson's on the Docks. Our dining page pulls live ratings and hours from Google Places and highlights the local dishes worth ordering.

Explore Dining

What boat trips run from Hilton Head Island?

Boats leave Hilton Head Island from Harbour Town Yacht Basin, including the Dolphin & Nature Tour — dolphin watches, sunset sails, kayak tours and fishing charters. Our things to do page lists the operators, departure times and prices.

See Things to Do

What's happening at Hilton Head Island this week?

Hilton Head Island hosts Gregg Russell Under the Oak and more. Our events page pulls the current week's lineup so nothing sneaks up on you.

Check Events

How long does it take to get sunburned at Hilton Head Island?

It depends on the UV index and your skin. Our conditions page converts today's hourly UV forecast at Hilton Head Island into minutes to burn using the standard erythemal dose model, so instead of "UV 9" you get "unprotected fair skin burns in about 18 minutes", along with the strongest stretch of the day and when to reapply. Open sand and water reflect UV back at you, so the estimate includes a beach uplift.

Check Today's Burn Time

Are dogs allowed at Hilton Head Island?

It depends on when. October through March dogs may be on the beach at any time, on leash or under voice control. From April 1 to the Thursday before Memorial Day, and from the Tuesday after Labor Day through September 30, they must be leashed between 10am and 5pm and may be under voice control from 5pm to 10am. From the Friday before Memorial Day through Labor Day they are not allowed on the beach between 10am and 5pm at all. Owners must pick up after them. Fine: up to $1,092.50 per offense. Source: Town of Hilton Head Island, Beach Regulations, checked 2026-09-09.

See All Beach Rules

Can you drink alcohol at Hilton Head Island?

No. Possessing or drinking alcohol, beer or wine on the beach is prohibited. Fine: up to $1,092.50 per offense. Source: Town of Hilton Head Island, Beach Regulations, checked 2026-09-09.

See All Beach Rules

Can you have a fire or grill at Hilton Head Island?

No. Fires and fireworks are prohibited on the beach and in the dunes. Fine: up to $1,092.50 per offense. Source: Town of Hilton Head Island, Beach Regulations, checked 2026-09-09.

See All Beach Rules

Is glass allowed at Hilton Head Island?

No. Glassware of any kind, bottles and containers included, is prohibited on the beach. Fine: up to $1,092.50 per offense. Source: Town of Hilton Head Island, Beach Regulations, checked 2026-09-09.

See All Beach Rules

Can you fish at Hilton Head Island?

It depends where on the beach. Fishing is not allowed inside a designated swimming area from sunrise to sunset between April 1 and September 30. Shark fishing is prohibited outright. Source: Town of Hilton Head Island, Beach Regulations, checked 2026-09-09.

See All Beach Rules

At Hilton Head Island, the sun sets at 7:11 PM today — about 11h 54m of daylight. Sunrise was 7:17 AM. Live water temperature, surf height, UV index, wind and tide for Hilton Head Island update at the top of the conditions page.